Answer

In Jain Dharma, the 63 Śalākāpuruṣas means the 63 great and spiritually significant persons who appear in every time cycle.

The word Śalākāpuruṣa means a distinguished, extraordinary, or great person.

They are:

• 24 Tirthankars
• 12 Chakravartis
• 9 Baldevs
• 9 Vasudevs
• 9 Prativasudevs

Total: 24 + 12 + 9 + 9 + 9 = 63

Explanation

These 63 personalities are important in Jain history and cosmology because they play major roles in guiding, ruling, protecting, or shaping human society during a time cycle.

• Tirthankars establish the Jain Sangh and show the path to liberation.
• Chakravartis are universal emperors.
• Baldevs are noble heroes who generally follow non-violence.
• Vasudevs are powerful heroes who defeat the Prativasudevs.
• Prativasudevs are opposing powerful rulers or warriors.

Spiritual Understanding

Among the 63 Śalākāpuruṣas, the Tirthankars are the highest spiritually because they attain kevalgyan and establish the path of moksha for others.

Takeaway

63 Śalākāpuruṣas means the 63 great beings of Jain tradition: 24 Tirthankars, 12 Chakravartis, 9 Baldevs, 9 Vasudevs, and 9 Prativasudevs.